Lubbock Fire Chief announces retirement

Update: Retiring fire chief credited with upgrades
The boy who left the farm to be a firefighter at age 18 has come a long way. Fire Chief Rhea Cooper is credited with making residents safer by improving fire coverage in Lubbock during his 21/2 years as chief. Top fire officials say he has been instrumental in securing four new fire stations, which will cover gaps in the city and reduce response times.

Cooper announced on Wednesday his retirement from the Lubbock Fire Department after 31 years of service.

Fire Marshal Mike Kemp will serve as interim chief when Cooper leaves the post Dec. 18. Kemp has been with the department for more than 27 years, 12 of which have been as the fire marshal.

City spokesman Patrick Aten said officials didn’t yet know when a new fire chief would be chosen.

Cooper said he had been considering retirement since August when he became eligible on his 50th birthday, though the decision wasn’t made until last week, surprising many at the department.

“I’m ready to relax a little bit,” Cooper said, especially looking forward to ditching the pager he has had with him at all times for the past 13 years.

He hasn’t had too much relaxation time since he became chief on June 21, 2007, spending a great deal of energy improving the department, top fire officials said.

“I think he has done an outstanding job in the last three years,” said Chris Angerer, deputy chief of operations.

He and other top officials said Cooper was instrumental in getting Lubbock a Class 2 safety rating from the Insurance Services Office, which audits city risks for insurance companies. It is the second best rating. Previously, Lubbock had a Class 3 status.

“We have great fire protection for the city of Lubbock – I’m pretty proud of that,” Cooper said.

The rating, obtained in April, not only will save the average Lubbock homeowner 8 to 9 percent on homeowner’s insurance, but it means fire coverage in Lubbock is significantly better, Angerer said.

Cooper hired a consultant to examine fire coverage, and the study found gaps. He petitioned the city for Fire Station 17, which opened at 3241 63rd St. in late September. The department hired a dozen new firefighters to man the station, which reduced response times in that area.

Angerer said Cooper’s good relationship with city officials helped him achieve some of the improvements.

“Rhea had an uncanny ability to work in those circles,” he said.

Other improvements at the department also boosted the safety rating, including bringing in newer equipment for the department, staying on top of the latest safety standards and enhancing prevention efforts by adding two people to the Fire Marshal’s Office.

“Those are very significant things he’s done,” Kemp said, noting they also took great coordination.

He said Cooper was instrumental in getting the bond election for three new fire stations in the growing South Lubbock. Voters approved the stations on Nov. 3.

Cooper said he’s had the help of the best staff.

“I am blessed to have been able to work with the men and women of the fire department,” he said.

He didn’t yet know what he would be doing in his retirement.

“I’ll do something – I have no idea what,” Cooper said. “We’ll see what God has in store for me.”

He did intend to continue working with the State Fire Commission. His term expires in 2013.

Cooper plans to stay in Lubbock, where he grew up. His wife continues working, and his youngest child is still in high school here. He said he loves Lubbock and the people here.

“I can’t give enough kudos to the whole community,” Cooper said.
By Robin Pyle in The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
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NewsChannel 11 has learned that the City of Lubbock Fire Chief Rhea Cooper has announced that he will be retiring from the Lubbock Fire Department effective December 18, 2009. Rhea Cooper has served in the Lubbock Fire Department for more than 31 years. He began his career as a fire fighter in 1978, before rising through the ranks to become Deputy Chief of Operations in 1996 and Fire Chief in 2007.

Chief Cooper is the 6th fire chief in the history of the City of Lubbock. Chief Cooper received numerous professional certifications over his career and was awarded the Medal of Valor after the Wylie Propane Plant Fire in February of 2006.

According to a press release from the City of Lubbock, Chief Cooper says, “It has been an honor to serve the community of Lubbock with my fellow firefighters for 31 years, and to work with the City Council and City staff for the last 13 years.”

After the chief’s retirement, Fire Marshall Mike Kemp will serve as Interim Fire Chief until the City Manager recommends the appointment of a new fire chief.
From KCBD News, Lubbock